Zinc Media Launches AI Label Cicada Focused On “Creativity That Makes People Stop Scrolling”

Zinc Media Group has launched an AI-focused label called Cicada. Zinc is the factual-focused UK-based production and distribution group that owns Brook Lapping, Rex, Supercollider and Tern among other prodcos.

Across its group, Zinc said it generated several million pounds of artificial intelligence-related revenue in 2025 from industry trade, AI-powered TV commercials and other work. Cicada will centralize Zinc’s AI activity and provide expertise and support to its production companies, branded content and post-production units, and clients.

Shows coming out of Zinc include the recent two-part BBC doc Brexit: A Very British Civil War, Nick Cave’s Veiled World for Sky, and Nat Geo’s The Infinite Explorer With Hannah Fry.

Zinc’s Chief Technology Officer, Olly Strous, will lead Cicada. He will work with Jenny Springett. She joined Zinc’s entertainment label Electric Violet last year in a development role and will be AI Innovation Lead for Cicada.

“Cicada is about two things: creativity that makes people stop scrolling, and productivity that actually delivers ROI,” Springett said. “AI can do both, and we’re building the proof of that here.”

“Cicada is a playground with a purpose,” said Olly Strous, CTO of Zinc Media Group. “We are working with our colleagues across the group to elevate and enhance their already exceptional work across films, events and content and showcasing what AI can do, for our clients, our labels and the wider industry.”

Producers and production groups are increasingly introducing a formal AI role or brand within their organizations as the industry grapples with how to incorporate the tech into workflows and making and selling content.